The joint campaign by ESA and NASA for the Mars Sample Return (MSR) is set to become one of the most ambitious projects in planetary exploration history. This initiative aims to analyze pristine samples selected from the Martian surface in terrestrial laboratories, which would grant unprecedented insights into the planet”s history, evolution, and its potential to support life.
The Measurement Definition Team (MDT) of the MSR Sample Receiving Project (SRP) has been established by both NASA and ESA. This team is tasked with outlining essential measurements that need to be conducted on the samples returned from Mars. Their recommendations are designed to address scientific, safety, and curation needs, which will facilitate effective planning for the necessary facilities and related projects.
This executive summary provides an overview of the MDT”s findings, with the complete report available in the supplementary online materials associated with this article.
